Advanced Imaging in Plants: Exploring Development and Function

Advanced imaging techniques have revolutionized the study of plant development and function, providing unprecedented insights into the intricate processes that occur at various structural levels, from molecules to entire plants. Despite significant advancements, there remain gaps in our understanding of how these processes are coordinated and altered during ontogeny. Current research has highlighted the importance of material-structure-function relationships in plant biomechanics, photosynthesis, reproduction, self-repair, and adaptation to external stimuli. However, the complexity of these relationships necessitates more sophisticated imaging methods to capture dynamic changes over time. Recent studies have employed techniques such as super-resolution microscopy, confocal microscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging to explore these phenomena, yet each method has its limitations and specific applications. There is a pressing need for a comprehensive platform that integrates these diverse imaging techniques to provide a holistic understanding of plant functions across scales.

This research topic aims to advance the field of plant imaging by providing a platform for the dissemination and discussion of novel imaging techniques and their applications in studying plant development and function. The primary objective is to gather research that explores how advanced imaging can elucidate the dynamic processes of plant growth, ontogeny, and functional adaptations. Specific questions include: How do different imaging techniques compare in their ability to capture plant functions at various structural levels? What are the advantages and limitations of each method? How can these techniques be optimized and integrated to provide a more comprehensive understanding of plant biology?

To gather further insights into the boundaries of advanced imaging in plant research, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Growth and ontogeny (signaling, responses to stimuli, climate change, organogenesis, morphogenesis, etc.)
- Biomechanics (mechanical properties of plants, mechanical adaptations, impact resistance, etc.)
- Self-repair (signaling, self-sealing, self-healing, callus formation, local and global plant regeneration, and responses)
- Reproduction (gametogenesis and embryogenesis, pollen development, female gametophyte development, fertilization, fruit, and seed development, etc.)
- Biomimetics (analysis and technical transfer of plant functions)

By addressing these themes, we aim to foster a multidisciplinary dialogue that will drive the next generation of research in plant imaging and functional analysis.

We acknowledge that Dr. Jaroslav Durkovic collaborates with the companies Attocube and Bruker for publishing research papers. There are no conflicts of interest taking this into consideration.

Keywords: plant development, advanced imaging, plant-biomechanics, plant-microscopy, plant-ontogeny

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.